Readathon Archives - Page 6 of 8

Spooktastic Reads: Creepiest Cover

Published on October 20, 2022September 22, 2022 by Celeste2 Comments

Today’s prompt for Spooktastic Reads, a Wyrd and Wonder mini event, is “creepiest cover.” I suppose there are numerous ways to spin this, such as the spookiest cover I’ve ever seen, read, or have on my bookshelf. I opt for the last option: the spookiest book cover I have on my physical book shelves.

The creepiest book cover on my shelf be a little out of left field (or maybe not).

Did that get a small laugh out of anyone? Or a whimper? I haven’t yet read it but as soon as I do it will go into the donation pile.

The runner up (or first place on my shelves of fiction) is EMPIRE OF THE VAMPIRE by Jay Kristoff. This says “power” to me more than “creepy,” but so it is as I don’t feel I have many books with creepy covers.

What’s the spookiest book cover on your shelf?

Wyrd and Wonderful Book Discoveries

Published on May 30, 2022June 11, 2022 by Celeste2 Comments

IMAGE CREDITS: tree wolf image by chic2view on 123RF.com. The gorgeous tree wolf is not royalty-free, but is licensed for use to promote Wyrd and Wonder online. You are welcome to use the banner on your Wyrd and Wonder posts, but please make no changes (except to resize if needed) and always credit the artist!

Wyrd and Wonder is a celebration of all things fantasy. The format of figurative consumption doesn’t matter. You can read, watch, game, puzzle, etc. anything fantasy! To learn more visit my introduction post, which includes links to the hosts and more information about this month-long appreciation of the fantasy genre.

Today’s prompt is “Wyrd and Wonderful,” for which we share a book that we were introduced to during (this or a previous) Wyrd and Wonder. I can’t just pick one book, so I’ve included a few below. Since this is my first Wyrd and Wonder, these books were all mentioned by this year’s participants. I linked to Bookshop.org (not affiliated) where possible; otherwise the book link navigates to Amazon (not affiliated).

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To Love or To Loathe…There’s the Trope

Published on May 25, 2022June 11, 2022 by Celeste4 Comments

Today’s Wyrd and Wonder prompt is “love it or loathe it”:

What cover art themes / tropes instantly make you pick up a book – or put you off it?

For this prompt I decided to talk about tropes that I either love or loathe. Let’s start with the ones that make me wrinkle my nose, shall we?

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The Dark Side of Fantasy

Published on May 20, 2022June 11, 2022 by Celeste2 Comments

Today’s Wyrd and Wonder prompt is “dark:”

Time to celebrate a subgenre – choose your path wisely, whether you love grimdark, dark fantasy, or horror.

When I stop to think about the type of fantasy I read, it comes down to either fantasy with romance or dark fantasy. Usually there’s some of both subgenres in a fantasy book that I pick up.

What is dark fantasy? Fantasy Book Fanatic describes this subgenre as “typified by a deliberately ominous tone, reinforcing what is commonly perceived as a “gloomy” atmosphere. Standard features of fantasy are deliberately intertwined with a sense of terror and dread to create this sinister subcategory of fantasy.” FBF lists characteristics often found in dark fantasy books, which can include a deliberately ominous tone; the possibility that evil can win; themes of good vs. evil; a lack of heroes; elements of horror; and a gloomy atmosphere.

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Fantasy Landscapes

Published on May 18, 2022June 11, 2022 by Celeste6 Comments

If you’re not sure what Wyrd and Wonder is, check out my introduction post for more information. Imyril, one of the hosts, also has a post with all of the prompts.

Today’s Wyrd and Wonder prompt is fantasy landscapes.

What landscapes or locations feel particularly fantastical to you – and why? Could be (cover) artworks, film / tv locations, places you’ve visited, castles, spooky houses, soaring towers in mountains, beautiful woodland groves, shadowy urban fantasy streets, pools like portals to other worlds – what makes your imagination sing?

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